Kieffer Pear Tree

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6-7 ft

$145.00

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

SUNLIGHT
Prefers full sunlight with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun per day.

WATER
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all, so check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball and water when it feels dry. Water slowly and thoroughly, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire root ball and surrounding root zone rather than watering frequently and shallowly. For more in depth information, please see Watering and Sunlight section below.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Best suited for Zones 4–9. Kieffer Pear Trees are highly adaptable, tolerating cold winters as well as hot summer climates. With a relatively low chilling requirement of approximately 350–400 hours, Kieffer is particularly useful in warmer regions where higher-chill European pear varieties may not reliably produce.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Kieffer Pear Tree, scientifically known as Pyrus communis ‘Kieffer’, is a vigorous, dependable fruit tree prized for its large, golden-yellow pears, often with an attractive red blush. Its firm, crisp fruit is especially well suited for canning, baking, preserves, and cooking, while beautiful white spring blossoms add seasonal interest. Heat tolerant, productive, and notably resistant to fire blight, Kieffer is an excellent pear tree for home orchards and backyard gardens across a wide range of climates.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate to fast growth rate. Reaches approximately 12–15 feet tall and 9–12 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering. Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather. Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Kieffer Pear Trees grow and produce fruit best in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Abundant sunlight supports healthy flowering, fruit development, and ripening.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Prune Kieffer Pear Trees while dormant in late winter to early spring before vigorous new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, diseased, crossing, or inward-growing branches and maintain a well-structured canopy with good sunlight penetration and air circulation.

FERTILIZING
Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Once established, fertilize in spring or early summer when needed using a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for fruit trees. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage overly vigorous growth and may increase susceptibility to fire blight. Do not fertilize in fall or winter.

WINTER PROTECTION
Established Kieffer Pear Trees are cold hardy within their recommended Zones 4–9 and generally require minimal winter protection. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone to help regulate soil temperature and moisture, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location for your Kieffer Pear Tree that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day and has well-draining soil with good air circulation. Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Carefully remove the tree from its nursery container and loosen any circling or tightly bound roots. Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, keeping the graft union above the soil line. Backfill using the native soil removed from the planting hole without adding compost, peat moss, sand, rock, or other amendments directly to the hole. Gently firm the soil, then water slowly and deeply throughout the root ball and surrounding soil. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. Space Kieffer Pear Trees approximately 15–20 feet apart to provide room for their mature canopies.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 4-9

Kieffer Pear Trees thrive in USDA Zones 4–9, giving them a wider climate range than many traditional European pear varieties. They require approximately 350–400 chill hours, allowing them to produce fruit in many warmer regions while remaining sufficiently cold hardy for colder climates. Kieffer is also particularly well known for tolerating hot summers and is widely grown in the southern United States. For the healthiest growth and fruit production, plant in full sun with well-draining soil and good air circulation.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Kieffer Pear Tree get?

A Kieffer Pear Tree typically reaches approximately 12–15 feet tall and 9–12 feet wide at maturity, depending on its rootstock and growing conditions. Standard trees can become larger, while dwarfing rootstocks keep the tree considerably smaller.

How fast does a Kieffer Pear Tree grow?

Kieffer Pear Trees have a moderate to fast growth rate, typically growing approximately 1–2 feet per year under favorable conditions. Growth rate varies based on rootstock, sunlight, soil, moisture, climate, pruning, and overall tree health.

Where is the best place to plant a Kieffer Pear Tree?

Plant your Kieffer Pear Tree in full sun with well-draining soil and good air circulation. At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day supports healthy flowering and fruit production. Kieffer is adaptable to a variety of conditions but performs best when its roots are not kept consistently saturated.

How far apart should I plant Kieffer Pear Trees?

Space Kieffer Pear Trees approximately 15–20 feet apart when growing full-size or larger semi-dwarf specimens.

When does a Kieffer Pear Tree bloom?

Kieffer Pear Trees produce clusters of white flowers in spring and are considered relatively late blooming for a pear. Exact flowering time varies based on grow zone, seasonal temperatures, and local weather.

Does a Kieffer Pear Tree need a pollinator?

Kieffer is generally considered self-fruitful, so one tree can produce pears without another variety nearby. However, planting a compatible pear with an overlapping bloom period can improve pollination and potentially produce a larger crop.

What are good pollinators for a Kieffer Pear Tree?

Compatible pear varieties with overlapping bloom periods can help improve Kieffer’s fruit set. Moonglow and Bosc are potential pollination partners where their bloom periods overlap. When selecting a pollinator, choose a different compatible pear variety suited to your climate and plant it reasonably nearby.

How long does it take a Kieffer Pear Tree to produce fruit?

Kieffer is known for beginning to bear relatively young. A Kieffer Pear Tree may begin producing fruit approximately 4–6 years after planting, depending on rootstock, tree age at planting, climate, pollination, and growing conditions.

When are Kieffer pears ready to harvest?

Kieffer is a late-season pear, generally ripening from September into October depending on climate and location. The pears are typically harvested while still firm and allowed to finish ripening after picking.

How many chill hours does a Kieffer Pear Tree need?

Kieffer has a relatively low chilling requirement of approximately 350–400 chill hours. This makes it particularly useful in warmer climates where high-chill European pear varieties may struggle to flower and fruit reliably.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.